The History of the Ocala Police Department Motorcycle Unit
Ocala Police Department bought their first motorcycle in July 1926, a fully equipped Harley-Davidson which cost $426.27, plus freight. The department later traded it in for a 1936 Harley-Davidson for $225.00 on an Indian Police Special motorcycle costing $485.00.
Motorcycles remained in use until the 60’s when they were used only (infrequently) for special duties and school crossing details. From time-to-time if you arrived late for work all the cars would be assigned and your punishment was to ride the Harley or a three-wheeled Cushman.
The current Traffic Enforcement Unit was formed by Cpl. Robert Brown on March 3, 1982, with a loaned Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The following year the department bought Kawasaki Police motorcycles causing quite a stir because we didn’t “buy American.” Currently six officers are assigned to the motorcycle unit and we ride BMW Police motorcycles “1200 RTP”.
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Information and Photos provided by the Ocala, FL Police Department.